With summer fast approaching, warm weather fun is certainly on everyone’s minds. On a student budget, however, it can be hard to make the most of the limited sunshine in the UK without going into your overdraft. Here are three things for students in Birmingham to do on a budget this summer to make the most of the warm weather.
Barbecue on the Vale/in Selly Park
As soon as the sun comes out in Birmingham, students will flock to either the Vale or Selly Park to soak up the summer weather. For me, it’s one of the most fun things to do in Birmingham full stop.
For first years living on the Vale, the area around the lake will be a hive of activity in the summer. All you need to bring for an afternoon packed with fun is you, your mates and a barbecue. You will have to get a barbecue permit from reception in Shackleton Halls, but this is both free and easy to do. It is also the perfect location for football, reading, or just hanging out with friends in the sunshine.
For students living in Selly Park, it is a similar remit. Despite the lack of a lake, Selly Park is arguably more fun. Being more spacious, it does not feel overly crowded while maintaining a bustling atmosphere. Especially after exams, any sunny day is a perfect day to head up to the Park at the top of Bournbrook road to hang out with friends without paying any entry fees or for any activities. It is also very close to Selly Oak railway station, meaning that students from elsewhere in Birmingham can easily access it.
Winterbourne Gardens
Although it is becoming more popular, I would still say that Winterbourne Gardens is an underused summer student spot in Birmingham. Free for students at the University of Birmingham, it is also better on a budget than other activities in the city. Situated on Edgbaston Park Road, it is a picturesque area of colour minutes away from the University of Birmingham campus.
The gardens also have very a reasonably priced tea room, where you can use the money saved by the free entry to grab a cake and a coffee. Winterbourne is a great space even during term time, as it is a lovely location to let your creativity flow while working.
Go to a Pub Garden in Digbeth
Digbeth is undoubtedly one of the coolest places of Birmingham. Even just wandering around to look at the street art can be a great way to spend a sunny day. Despite not being as cheap as somewhere like the Goose in Selly Oak, Digbeth offers the atmosphere and scenery for a great afternoon with some friends.
Particularly popular Beer Gardens in Digbeth include The Old Crown and Birdies, both of which offer walk-in tables for impulsive visitors. With them all located walking distance from New Street Station, any students in Birmingham looking for somewhere new to go in the summer should definitely check Digbeth’s bar selection out!
